When The Levee Breaks centers on an illegal strike by the LAPD that threatens to cause chaos in America's second-largest city. The series' protagonist, an African-American police officer, is the only cop brave enough to cross the picket line and investigate the true motivations behind the murder of two racist cops whose deaths started the strike — murders to which he may be linked.

"We are thrilled to partner with such an incredibly innovative and creative film visionary such as Kurt Wimmer," said Sharon Levy, exec vp original series at Spike TV. "Kurt is the perfect example of the big and bold voices with an edge that we are looking for to further our mission to create distinctive original programming."

Levy, Ted Gold, svp scripted original series at Spike TV, and Justin Lacob, vp original series at Spike TV, will oversee the project.

The announcement comes as Spike TV is ramping up its scripted series slate. The cable channel will premiere its first scripted event series in eight years, Tut, on July 19. The network also recently announced script options for Harvest, from Jerry Bruckheimer (CSI) and Warner Horizon Television; The Crusaders, from Pierce Brosnan’s Irish DreamTime, Sennet Entertainment, Michael Finch (The November Man) and David Franzoni (Gladiator); Deep Web with Tony Krantz (24) of Flame Ventures; The Chairman, based on the Stephen Frey best-seller; Red Mars from Vince Gerardis (Game of Thrones) and based on Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy; Emergency Broadcast from Legendary Pictures and Thomas Tull (The Dark Knight); and War at the Shore, based on Richard "Skip" Bronson’s book.

Spike TV also unveiled a new logo and a new "Spike: The Ones to Watch" tagline in March.

Wimmer's credits also include the upcoming Point Break remake. He is repped by CAA.